Core Viewpoint - Starbucks aims to return to pre-pandemic margins, targeting net revenues growth of 5% or more and annual earnings per share of $3.35 to $4 by fiscal year 2028 [1] Financial Performance and Targets - The company reported US sales growth for the first time in two years, indicating progress in its turnaround strategy [2] - Starbucks' operating margin was 15.4% in 2019 but fell to 7.9% in 2025 due to pandemic impacts and investments in labor [5] - The target operating margin for fiscal year 2028 is set between 13.5% and 15% [5] Store Expansion Plans - Starbucks plans to add over 2,000 net new stores internationally by 2028, compared to 400 net new stores in the US [7][8] - The international operating margin is expected to exceed 20% by 2028 [6] Strategic Initiatives - A revamp of the rewards program will introduce a tiered structure, potentially adding $150 million in annual revenue if loyalty members increase purchases [9] - The company aims to improve its supply chain, including AI initiatives, with a goal of having 90% of company-owned coffeehouses resupplied daily by the end of 2026 [9][10] - Progress has been made in reducing product shortages, although specific numbers were not provided [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The Senate hearing highlighted significant concerns regarding Ticketmaster and Live Nation's handling of automated bots that inflate ticket prices, with calls for accountability and potential legislative action to address the issue. Group 1: Allegations and Responses - Senator Marsha Blackburn criticized Ticketmaster and Live Nation for their inadequate response to allegations of executives ignoring the use of bots to manipulate ticket sales, citing an internal email that suggested a policy of turning a blind eye to bot activity [1][4] - Live Nation executive Dan Wall defended the company, claiming the email was taken out of context and asserting that they are actively combating bots, although he acknowledged the scale of the problem with "hundreds of millions of bots" attacking daily [2][7] - Blackburn dismissed Wall's defense as dismissive and indicated that the company seems more focused on maintaining its business model than genuinely addressing the issue [3][7] Group 2: Legislative Actions and Proposals - Blackburn expressed intent to hold executives accountable if they are found to have misled Congress and mentioned bipartisan frustration with the company's cooperation [3] - The senator is advocating for a price cap on resold tickets, which has garnered some support in Congress, and has cosponsored the MAIN Event Ticketing Act to enhance enforcement against automated ticket sales [4][10][9] - The scrutiny of Ticketmaster is part of a broader examination of algorithmic pricing practices across various industries, with Blackburn labeling such practices as potentially harmful to consumers [12][15] Group 3: Market Control and Industry Impact - Ticketmaster controls a significant portion of the primary ticket sale market, estimated at 70% to 80%, which raises concerns about market monopolization and consumer protection [12] - The ongoing issues with ticket scalping and automated purchasing are linked to a larger $15 billion resale industry, highlighting the financial stakes involved [9]

Core Insights - Barry Diller expressed interest in acquiring CNN from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) last year, but discussions did not progress beyond preliminary inquiries [1][4][9] - WBD has stated that CNN is not for sale and is considered a core asset in the planned spinoff of Discovery Global [5][6][12] Company Developments - WBD is planning to spin off its cable networks, including CNN, into a new publicly traded entity called Discovery Global, which will inherit significant debt [14] - The spinoff is part of a broader strategy to separate high-growth streaming and studio assets from traditional cable networks facing decline [10][15] - Netflix has agreed to acquire WBD's studio and streaming business in a $72 billion deal, which includes Warner Bros.' film and television studios and HBO [5][11] Market Context - The separation of assets is aimed at unlocking value by allowing investors to price fast-growing streaming assets separately from traditional cable networks [15] - Critics of the spinoff plan, including rival bidder Paramount Skydance, argue that it is overly complex and may leave the spun-off cable company with limited growth prospects and high debt [15]

Core Insights - United Airlines and American Airlines are competing for market share at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, with both airlines increasing operations ahead of the summer travel season [1][6] - United Airlines plans to operate a record 750 flights daily at O'Hare, surpassing its nearest competitor by approximately 200 flights, marking the largest schedule ever for any airline at this airport [1][2] - By 2026, United will offer nonstop service to 222 destinations, including 47 international cities and 175 U.S. destinations, which is 38 more than American Airlines [2] United Airlines Operations - Starting in April, United will introduce five new routes from Chicago to various Midwest cities, enhancing connectivity [3] - More than 80 cities will see additional flights from Chicago, including major destinations like Boston, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas, positioning Chicago as United's third-largest hub in the U.S. [5] - United's strategy focuses on building brand loyalty by providing more value to customers, particularly in Chicago, where the airline has invested significantly in its network and hiring [6] American Airlines Operations - American Airlines has also announced new routes from its Chicago hub, including service to Maui, Hawaii, and additional flights to Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Columbia, South Carolina [6] - The airline is enhancing its operations from Los Angeles but emphasizes the importance of its Chicago hub, which has expanded to over 180 destinations in the past year [7] - Last year, American added service to 29 new destinations from Chicago, including Naples, Italy, and St. Croix, St. Maarten, and plans to offer over 500 peak daily departures for the upcoming spring break [10]

Home Depot said Wednesday it is cutting 800 jobs associated with its Atlanta store support center, and is calling on its corporate employees to return to the office five days a week.In a statement, Home Depot said its “goal is to drive greater agility and position the company to move faster and stay even more closely connected with our frontline associates.”In a statement, Home Depot said its “goal is to drive greater agility and position the company to move faster and stay even more closely connected with ...

Core Viewpoint - Tesla has agreed to invest approximately $2 billion in Elon Musk's AI startup xAI, enhancing the relationship between the two companies as Tesla positions itself as a leader in autonomy and robotics [1][3]. Financial Performance - Tesla reported revenue of $24.9 billion for the quarter ending December 31, a decrease of 3% year-over-year, but surpassing analysts' expectations of $24.79 billion [3]. - Profit fell significantly by 61% to $840 million during the same period [3]. Market Expectations - Wall Street anticipates Tesla will deliver 1.77 million units in 2026, reflecting an 8.2% increase according to Visible Alpha data [4]. - The vehicle business is facing challenges as competitors introduce newer models at lower prices, and the expiration of a US tax incentive for electric vehicles has impacted sales [4]. Strategic Focus - Investors are increasingly interested in Musk's initiatives in self-driving technology and robotics, seeking evidence that the transition from promise to product is occurring [5][7]. - Tesla is utilizing lower-priced "Standard" versions of its Model 3 and Model Y to attract price-sensitive consumers, a strategy expected to drive growth in 2026 deliveries despite potential margin pressures [5][6].

Core Insights - TJ Maxx is opening its first new store in Manhattan in over a decade, signing a lease for 40,000 square feet at Herald Towers, marking the largest new retail deal in the city for the past two years [1][4] Group 1: Retail Landscape - The majority of recent large retail commitments have been focused on health and fitness clubs, medical clinics, fast food, and educational uses, with very few comparable deals to TJ Maxx's being new openings rather than renewals [2] - The new TJ Maxx store will join other retailers like Old Navy, MooMoo, and IT Italian Trattoria in Herald Square, which is a significant shopping district [3][8] Group 2: Herald Towers and Leasing Details - Herald Towers, which has 110,000 square feet of retail space, is now 95% leased following the TJ Maxx deal, indicating a strong recovery in the area [3] - The building, previously the McAlpin Hotel, was acquired by JEMB Realty in 1999 and has been converted into rental apartments, highlighting the transformation of the property [6][9] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The resurgence of foot traffic in Herald Square, driven by businesses like Macy's, has contributed to the area's retail recovery, although it took until last year for crowds to reach record levels [6]

Core Viewpoint - A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Costco, alleging that the company falsely claims its $4.99 rotisserie chickens are free of preservatives, despite containing sodium phosphate and carrageenan [1][2][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit, initiated by two California residents, accuses Costco of systematically deceiving consumers and potentially cheating them out of tens to hundreds of millions of dollars [1][10]. - The plaintiffs argue that Costco's marketing strategy exploits the growing consumer demand for "clean label" and preservative-free products, leading customers to purchase the rotisserie chickens under false pretenses [4]. Group 2: Ingredients and Health Concerns - Sodium phosphate and carrageenan, the additives in question, are used to retain moisture and improve texture in the rotisserie chickens, and both are approved by food safety authorities [5][6]. - While these ingredients are permitted, they have been linked to health concerns, such as risks for individuals with kidney disease and potential cardiovascular issues [7][8]. - Studies have shown mixed results regarding the safety of carrageenan, with some linking it to inflammation and digestive problems, while others assert that food-grade carrageenan is safe at typical consumption levels [9]. Group 3: Market Impact - Costco sells over 100 million rotisserie chickens annually, making it one of the most popular prepared foods in the U.S. [10]. - The price of $4.99 has remained unchanged for over a decade, despite inflation and rising costs, contributing to the chicken's status as a cult favorite and a strategic loss leader for the retailer [12].

Core Viewpoint - Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius rejected the Trump administration's proposal to relocate the company's headquarters to the United States, emphasizing the company's deep-rooted history in Germany and its global presence [1][3][4]. Company Position - Källenius stated that while Mercedes-Benz is a global company, it cannot be "uprooted" from its origins in Swabia, Germany, where its headquarters are located [1][3]. - The company traces its roots back to 1886, marking the beginning of the automobile industry with the formation of Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft [8][11]. Industry Context - The proposal from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reflects the intense competition for capital that European industrial centers are facing [4]. - The Trump administration has utilized tariffs to incentivize companies to expand manufacturing operations in the U.S., impacting various sectors including automotive and technology [5][6]. - Several major corporations, both U.S. and foreign, have announced plans to increase manufacturing capacity in the U.S. since the Trump administration's return to office, highlighting a trend towards domestic production [6][10].

The Fed on Wednesday kept interest rates in the current range, a move that was widely expected in spite of intensifying pressure from President Trump and the criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell.After three consecutive quarter-point cuts in 2025, the central bank maintained rates in the 3.5% to 3.75% range at its first meeting of the year, in a 10-2 vote.Policymakers opted to take a wait-and-see approach after months of weighing inflation risks against unemployment — likely assuaged by recent economi ...